G20 Parliaments Call for Inclusive Representation in Global Governance Institutions

Speakers and representatives of parliaments from G20 member states attending the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) have called for inclusive representation of countries in all international governance institutions.

Meeting under the theme “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity”, the heads of delegations expressed concern about the under-representation of developing countries in global bodies such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the World Trade Organization, among others.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, said that current challenges weakening the world order, such as armed conflicts, inequalities and cybersecurity threats, require a united approach. “These challenges recognise no borders and do not respect sovereignty. They demand coordination and no withdrawal or isolation, but a collective approach.” She said this is where parliamentary diplomacy must emerge as a catalyst for multilateral renewal. “Parliamentary diplomacy is a strategic instrument for building consensus, harmonising legislative frameworks and safeguarding democratic principles,” she said.

The Speaker challenged her international counterparts to confront the unfortunate reality of weakening multilateralism, which she argued was at its lowest. She noted how geopolitical fragmentation has led to major powers circumventing the established global order and institutions and how increasing nationalist sentiments were eroding the foundational trust necessary for trade and international economic cooperation.

“Critical bodies such as the UNSC and the WTO remain mired in procedural paralysis. Meanwhile, the Global South continues to face systemic under-representation in institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, creating a governance deficit that perpetuates historical injustices and undermines legitimacy,” Ms Didiza said.

In her contribution to the discussion, the President of the Australian Senate, Ms Sue Lines, argued that inclusive representation in global institutions was not optional, but foundational. She emphasised the strategic position of parliaments in connecting people to global processes and in ensuring international decisions are grounded in democratic legitimacy and inclusive representation.

“Solidarity cannot be achieved without inclusion, and inclusion cannot be achieved without representation,” she said. “When women, youth and people with disabilities are excluded from decision-making, we all lose. We lose wisdom, we lose legitimacy and we lose the opportunity to build policies that reflect the realities of all people. This is where parliamentary diplomacy becomes a transformative tool as it enables us to advocate for gender equality not just at home but on the global stage,” Ms Lines said.

Legislators from other countries also weighed in. Ms Jackeline Oliveira Rocha from Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies echoed this concern, stating that the under-representation deepens historical inequalities. The Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Jianbang Zheng, called on the Summit to support the need to make economic globalisation more universally beneficial and inclusive. “All countries, regardless of their strength, size and wealth, have the right to participate in international forums and the G20 should increase participation of developing countries and forge a more equitable global governance system,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, called for reform of the United Nations. “It is no longer acceptable that Africa, with a population of 1.5 billion, remains the only region or continent without a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of parliamentarians safeguarding democracy and ensuring that it delivers socio-economic prosperity for all.

A representative of the European Parliament, Ms Christel Schaldenmose, commended the introduction of the parliamentary voice in the G20, which she believed would strengthen transparency and accountability in the organisation. “The parliamentary dimension of global governance is more crucial than ever. It is an essential pillar of strong multilateralism. “By adding a parliamentary voice to the G20, we add legitimacy, transparency and accountability. In short, we close the gap between global institutions and the citizens and build trust and a better common future,” she said. “The European Parliament calls on all G20 parliaments to deepen their engagement within the G20 to bring parliamentary input into every agenda, foster dialogue all year round, and not only during summits,” she said.

The Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Ms Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, supported calls to develop monitoring and evaluation tools to track the progress that countries make in implementing resolutions from international platforms. “How do we turn our shared commitments into concrete action? We need to ensure that we are accountable to our constituents and to one another. We must develop monitoring and evaluation tools to help keep track of the progress that we make,” she said.

The Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, also joined those arguing that parliamentary diplomacy can help solve the challenges that nations face every day. He said that no country must be left behind.

Another call for inclusive representation came from the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. “There is an urgent need to reform global institutions, including the United Nations, WTO, the international financial architecture, and other platforms such as the G20, so that they are more representative, inclusive and representative of the needs of developing countries,” she said.

The President of the Pan-African Parliament, Chief Fortune Charumbira, in turn, questioned the effectiveness of international summits in addressing the world’s challenges. “Despite all these gatherings on international, regional and national levels, the problems are getting worse,” he said. “Conflicts are worsening, especially in Africa, and now we have a new phenomenon of terrorism on the continent. Can we make sure that this Summit does not become just another platform that does not produce results on the ground?” he asked. “We want results. The issue of performance monitoring is urgent.” He also asked whether these international institutions, such as the G20 and the UN, could be scrutinised through parliamentary oversight.

Sakhile Mokoena

2 October 2025